Socks, Compression Stockings & Hosiery - Compression Garments for Edema and Diabetic Feet

Young or old, male or female, active or less active, compression socks may be the answer to healthy great-feeling and looking legs. The light compression ranges (less than 20 mm Hg) are preventative and can be worn by anyone. They have a dramatic benefit to individuals who stands or sits for long periods of time or have any risk factors, making them predisposed to venous disorders. Frequent air travelers are just one potentially at-risk group, especially those passengers on long flights in coach class seating.

Compression therapy has been repeatedly proven effective in the treatment and prevention of venous disorders. Medical research has shown that stockings are effective in reducing leg symptoms only when the compression is graduated, meaning the pressure is greatest at the ankle and sequentially less up the leg. Today incredibly sheer, lightweight and fashionable products are available in the lower compressions.

The compression of the hosiery physically reduces the circumference of the limb and the superficial veins. by decreasing the size of the veins, blood flows faster, which helps prevent the blood from pooling and the chances of developing a thrombus.

Compression therapy can also improve valve functioning. As the vein diameter is reduced, the valve cusps are moved back to a correct overlapping position, allowing for proper functioning.

Additionally, compression stockings can reinforce the varicosity, making it less symptomatic and less visible.

Today's styles of graduated compression socks are extermely attractive and comfortable to wear. These support socks have the look and feel of normal dress, casual, or athletic socks with the therapeutic benefits of graduated compression therapy. Lower compression support socks are available for preventative measures to reduce foot and ankle swelling and are great for air travel or when on your feet all day.

As preventative support or for varicosities below the knee, support socks are a great choice. With recent advanced in knitting technology, many new styles of graduated compression socks are now available, including dress socks, casual patterned socks, and athletic support socks with CoolMax� moisture-wicking fibers.

Support Socks & Hosiery are available in many different compression/support ranges:

1. Light: Sheers, 9-12 mm Hg, Fashionable sheer support - the look of regular pantyhose with therapeutic benefits. Preventative support, relief from long periods of standing or sitting, relief from tired, aching legs, mild ankle and foot swelling, mild spider and varicose veins, muscle cramps.

2. Light to Moderate: Light to Moderate Support, 15-20 mm Hg, Fashionable sheer support - the look of regular pantyhose with therapeutic benefits. Preventative support, relief from long periods of standing or sitting, relief from chronic tired, aching legs, mild ankle and foot swelling, mild varicosities without edema, muscle cramps.

3. Moderate: Moderate opaque support, 20-30 mm Hg, - the look and feel of fashion tights with microfiber softness. Relief of heaviness and fatigued legs, relief from chronic aching legs, relief from chronic ankle and foot swelling, relief from varicosities without significant edema, post sclerotherapy.

4. Firm: Heavy Support, Surgical Weight, Standard opaque professional-medical surgical weight suport hose. Indicated for chronic foot/ankle swelling and venous insufficiencies.

5. Anti-Embolism: Opaque medical grade anti-embolism 18 mm Hg (thrombo-embolic deterrent stockings) for pre- and post-surgical procedures. Thrombo deterrent, prevention of venous stasis and thrombo/embolism formation in recumbent (non-ambulatory)patients, post-surgical procedures.

Any individual with symptoms of venous disorders should consult a physician to ascertain the correct therapy for the specific leg condition. The physician should determine the style and compression level.